Shariah Academy of International Islamic University hosted two international guest scholars: Elena Dini, Senior Program Manager of the John Paul II Center for Interreligious Dialogue in Rome, Italy, and Dr Abdul Basit Zafar, an expert in Comparative Theology from the University of Bonn, Germany. In collaboration with the faculty members from the Study of Religions Department of the University, the Academy engaged the guest scholars in a consultation session on intercultural and inter-faith understanding.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akram, Director General of Shariah Academy, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of intercultural communication and building global scholarly networks to enhance academic excellence and create peaceful and harmonious societies.

In her interaction, Ms. Elena Dini highlighted the contribution of the John Paul II Center for Interreligious Dialogue, Rome, to promoting social harmony through interfaith dialogue and joint research endeavors. She also suggested specific student exchange programs that would help them play a constructive role in promoting mutual respect and sustainable societal development.

Dr. Abudl Basit Zafar expressed his thoughts on some aspects of comparative theology being developed at the University of Bonn. He also shared with the audience his interesting experiences of the world’s cultural diversity and reiterated the need to launch academic exchange programs and collaborative research initiatives that could bridge the gaps between people with diverse cultural backgrounds.

The participating faculty members from the International Islamic University echoed the need for student and teacher mobility programs between different academic institutions of the world.  They were of the view that IIUI reflects an accurate picture of diversity, as students from different regions of the world are studying here. Some of them expressed that IIUI has always provided a peaceful milieu for international students and exchange programs with international organizations.

At the end of the session, Dr. Akram thanked all the participants for participating in fruitful consultations that may open new horizons of knowledge and cultural exchange.